Stars of the screen, Christine Talbot and Duncan Wood, put their walking boots on as they reunited on Thursday in support of popular Harrogate businessman and close friend David Simister. The former ITV Calendar presenters joined a hardy gang of hikers from the local business community as they took part in the first ever ‘Walk & Talk’ event, which saw them trek 25 miles around the Harrogate Ringway. Organised by the Big Bamboo Agency, and sponsored by luxury and supercar financier Apollo Capital, the ‘Walk & Talk’ saw teams from both businesses joined by many others including Harrogate BID colleagues Matthew Chapman and Bethany Allen, as well as Zach Greaves of Artus Digital Marketing and Karen Winspear from Windsor House. They were also joined along the way by David’s twin brother, Andrew Simister. Starting and finishing at Roosters Brewing Co Taproom on Hornbeam Park, the ‘Walk & Talk’ took the group just over seven hours to complete, with many sore feet and aching limbs eased with a nice refreshing pint at the finish line. All of the money raised from the event will go to the family of David Simister. David suffered a life-changing stroke in March last year and now requires round-the-clock care. Having worked closely alongside the Harrogate-based Big Bamboo Agency, providing invaluable PR expertise, the team launched a fundraising campaign at the start of this year to ensure David continues to get the daily care that he requires. The total raised has already reached close to £3,700. Both Christine Talbot and Duncan Wood have known and worked alongside David for many years and were keen to show their support, while Apollo’s sponsorship of the walk will also go directly to David’s family. Big Bamboo Founding Director Nicola Stamford, a close friend and former work colleague of David, comments: “Thank you to Duncan and Christine for their backing and also to Apollo Capital Group for sponsoring this event. It was great to see the outpouring of support shown for David, who is a much-loved and respected member of the Harrogate business community." “There were plenty of sore feet and blisters come the end of the walk, but we were all happy in the knowledge that we had raised valuable funds for David and his family.” MD of Apollo Capital, David Moss, comments: “To be a part of this event was something really special for us and we are delighted to have played our part in raising funds for David’s ongoing care. Well done to everyone who took part, and who will no doubt be feeling sore for a few days yet.”

Williams Racing is pleased to announce the recruitment of five highly-experienced Formula 1 technical leaders and an outstanding new Chief Information and Analytics Officer as the team continues to strengthen and transform in pursuit of success. The exceptional new technical hires have worked on cars and powertrains that have secured 12 Constructors’ World Championships and 13 Drivers’ World Championships, and have more than 102 years of combined experience in the sport. Our new Chief Information and Analytics Officer (CIAO) brings unrivalled expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Data and has worked on projects to maximise simulation capabilities with F1 teams. They add to the Championship-winning pedigree of Team Principal James Vowles and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry, and are a further demonstration of the long-term investment being made on and off track by owners Dorilton Capital in pursuit of our mission to evolve and win further world titles.  Matt Harman will join Williams as Design Director, starting after the summer shutdown. Most recently Technical Director at Alpine, Matt has also worked at Renault, Mercedes and Mercedes’ powertrains division over a 24-year career in F1. He worked on five Constructors’ and Drivers’ title-winning cars at Mercedes, in addition to the powertrains that took Lewis Hamilton to his first Drivers’ title with McLaren and Jenson Button’s Championship-winning Brawn.  Fabrice Moncade joins the team as Chief Engineer, Computing Science on July 1. Formerly Head of Performance Analytics at Ferrari, he has pioneered modern-day lap simulation in F1 and worked on two title-winning cars while at Mercedes. He has also worked at McLaren, Sauber and BMW Sauber during his 17 years in the sport.  Juan Molina arrives as Chief Aerodynamicist and starts on July 15. Previously Principal Aerodynamicist at Haas, he won three championship doubles during a spell with Red Bull and will report to Adam Kenyon who was promoted to Head of Aerodynamics in April.  Steve Winstanley is appointed Chief Engineer, Composites and Structures to lead and transform the structures department within the design office. He brings 22 years of F1 experience including 14 at Red Bull, where he was involved in six double-Championship-winning campaigns.  Richard Frith will also join Williams in 2025 as Head of Performance Systems. Formerly Head of Performance at Alpine, Richard has 25 years of experience in the sport including spells with Jordan, Force India, Sauber, Marussia and McLaren. All five will form part of the technical team being led by Pat Fry, who joined Williams in November.  They are among 26 new recruits from other F1 teams who will join Williams over the course of the year, including several from Mercedes and Ferrari, four from Red Bull and 10 from Alpine. There has been a particular focus on strengthening the aerodynamics team, with 11 hires, and the design office with 13.  And they will be joined by Sorin Cheran , who arrives at Williams as CIAO after a 17-year career with Hewlett Packard Enterprise. He specialises in Artificial Intelligence and innovation and will lead a transformation of how the team acquires, stores, indexes and uses data to build a best-in-class technology operation.  Their recruitment follows the recent announcement that Alex Albon has committed his future to Williams with a multi-year contract extension, and as the team prepares to enter the new F1 regulations era in 2026 with a long-term Mercedes power unit supply in place.  James Vowles, Team Principal: “I am delighted to welcome these six incredible people to Williams. We are on a mission to fight our way back to the front and being able to attract experienced, Championship-winning talent from other teams demonstrates huge belief in the journey we are on." "Williams is investing in what it takes to win, and this is just the start as we prepare to welcome more new faces from across the grid in the months ahead.”  Pat Fry, Chief Technical Officer: “Williams Racing has bold ambitions and huge momentum, and these exceptional recruits show this is a project people want to be part of. We are adding strength in depth to the enormous talent already at Grove as we build for the future.”

Businesses are increasingly at threat from cyber attackers who are using sophisticated emails to extract money. Leading Dorset-headquartered cyber-security company C3IA Solutions said Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a fast-developing crime. Those within companies who have the authorisation to handle or approve financial transactions are the usual targets. One method criminals use is to create an email that looks like it comes from a known contact and worded in a way that persuades the target to send money. But with filters and security getting better, this type of attack is proving less effective, but a more malicious method is replacing it. This is when attackers compromise a legitimate email account or IT network of a supplier, contractor or business partner. Tactics include waiting for a genuine email asking for payment to be sent to the target, then issuing a follow-up email from the same account saying the bank details have changed – and providing the hackers’ own. The criminals are also utilising AI so they can replicate the type of wording used in genuine emails so their fraudulent ones sound right as well as look right. Rory Griffin from C3IA Solutions, based in Poole, said: “Government figures show that about half of all businesses have reported a cyber breach or attack, and BEC attacks make up a large number of them." “The attacks using personalised, impersonation emails are becoming less and less likely to succeed because of better filters and security. But a compromised, legitimate and known email account would not be picked up by spam filters, and the recipient already trusts information from that account. This is what hackers are now using." “And utilising AI means that even if the criminals are working from abroad and don’t speak English, they can accurately replicate wording that the recipient would recognise. Businesses are only responsible for the cyber security measures inside their own organisations, but it doesn’t mean they can’t speak to business partners to discuss mutual security." “Collaborating with contacts and partners could prove a valuable alliance. It is worth finding out if partners use multi-factor authentication or two-step authentication across all their accounts. It is useful to decide upon an unwritten one-time codeword only to be used if the already-agreed and documented bank details are changed." "Internal cyber security practices can also be improved, by such things as specialised training for the employees who handle or approve financial transactions. This could include things like following up a change in bank details with a telephone call, in order to prove it is genuine. Although not always practical, this would be an extra assurance step before transferring money out of the business." “Not all protective measures need to be technical in nature; a renewed sense of understanding, gained through education and awareness activities, is sometimes all that is required to identify and thwart a potential cyber-attack.”

Postgraduate students at Oxford Brookes Business School worked with businesses to address real-world issues as the University hosted its annual Business Challenge Week. The event was hosted by Oxford Brookes Business School (OBBS) from 17 June to 21 June. Forty-five students took part, including 12 from the University of Regensburg in Germany, a partner institution of Oxford Brookes. The students collaborated with businesses to develop strategies and recommendations, culminating in a final showcase at the University's Headington Campus. Dr Karla Zimpel-Leal, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Enterprise at Oxford Brookes Business School, who organised the event, explained: “Business Challenge Week encompasses an intensive week of multidisciplinary consultancy-style projects, an exciting opportunity for our postgraduate students to tackle real-world challenges head-on, make a tangible impact, gain invaluable problem-solving experience and dive into a world of interdisciplinary challenge projects with our partner organisations.” Some of the businesses involved included BioBright, an Essex-based business that assists maritime industries in reducing CO2 emissions, and also Leicester-based X&Y Fertility which offers a wide range of diagnostic tests and fertility treatments. Vanessa Giorgia Barzasi, Co-Founder and CEO of BioBright, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for BioBright to participate in Business Challenge Week. The students impressed us with their diverse skills in finance, law, marketing, and international business management. In just three days, they achieved remarkable results and provided valuable insights that helped us assess the viability of entering the Canadian market.” Bryan Woodward, CEO of X&Y Fertility, said: “This was a great opportunity to meet a team of young, enthusiastic students to come together to pitch a solution to a problem in such a short period of time. It’s amazing. Enthusiasm was great. Absolutely delighted with the final project.” Sabike Tahmasebi, who is studying for an MSc in Management and Business Analytics at Oxford Brookes, said: “Coming up with a quality marketing strategy in less than a week was a supreme challenge, but working with a team of students made the week less intense, coupled with the support of our mentors, who ensured that stress and frustrations were adequately managed with the end goal in sight. Delivering a workable solution to a real-life client made the entire week worth it. We gained invaluable experience and opportunities to network with fellow students and business owners.”

Prison education business Coracle was presented with a Grant of Appointment scroll signed by His Majesty the King at its offices in Cambridge. The parchment is the final gift to commemorate its King’s Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity. Founder and CEO James Tweed received the award from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence. “It’s wonderful to have something signed by His Majesty the king. I very much enjoyed meeting him last year at Buckingham Palace. It ’s been quite a journey, from prison gates to palace gates.” The Lord Lieutenant hailed the work of Coracle, which now operates in 90 prisons in the UK, almost 90 percent of the prison estate. Coracle has 2750 devices in use but founder James Tweed wants to significantly increase this number. “Digital literacy is a right for everyone,” added Tweed. “This is ultimately about second chances and the belief that every person counts. “Coracle works, and can only work, when it is in collaboration with the many people involved in delivering the Coracle service." “This includes prison education teams, prison staff Governors, our supporters in government, in particular those from HMPPS, the Ministry of Justice and, of course, the men and women who use Coracle and see it as a way to change their lives for the better.” James Tweed was shortlisted for the East of England's 'Established Business of the Year' category in the 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Loughborough Lightning have completed the double signing of two Scotland international forwards from rival Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby clubs. Hooker Elis Martin joins from Leicester Tigers and loosehead prop Anne Young arrives from Sale Sharks to bolster Nathan Smith’s squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. The pair have strong connections having played together at University of Edinburgh, Heriots Rugby Club, Scotland Under-18s and Under-20s as well as the senior Scotland side. Glasgow-born hooker Martin started her rugby journey at Hillhead Jordanhill’s U18 section and spent time with DMP Sharks before joining Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2023/24 season, playing 13 times and scoring three tries. The physical and dynamic front-rower has 10 senior caps for her country, scoring three tries. She said: “Ever since I started talking about coming down to play in the Premiership, I was being things about Loughborough from people who have been here a long time. That was a big part of it. Everyone was singing Loughborough’s praises so I definitely wanted to give it a go." “One of the big parts of my chats with Nathan was having that availability of such a prestigious, well-drilled pack. They know how to perform around the setpiece, and a big part of my development is being able to utilise all their skills, ask them questions, and hopefully it allows me to perform to a really high level as well.” Hertfordshire born prop Young first played rugby at her local club Helensburgh and is a product of the Hermitage Academy. She has been capped 10 times by Scotland and spent the last two seasons at Sale Sharks. “With the World Cup coming up, I really want to put myself in the best possible position to be selected to go and hone my skills and keep my development moving forward,” Young said. “Watching Lightning this season, they are team that have banded together and play for each other which is really cool. I am hoping to be a part of that and hopefully push on and get top four, then eventually win some silverware.” The agile prop sees Lightning’s Scottish contingent return to six for the 2024/25 campaign, with fellow internationals Helen Nelson, Rachel Malcolm, Emma Wassell and Christine Belisle all signing contract extensions. “We are really happy to sign Anne and Elis,” said Smith. “Elis is a really strong ball carrier and we’re really looking forward to seeing that around the park. She has also performed extremely well within the Tigers setpiece this season. We are hoping to develop that side of her game even further and it will take us, not only from a Lightning perspective but for Scotland moving forward. “We feel that Anne is a young prop who can be developed and her performances for Sale and Scotland around the park have been exceptional and we know the setpiece is an area of her game that needs to be developed. However she will be in the right place to do that next season. That will leave her in the best possible place to not only perform for Lightning next year in the PWR but also for Scotland in the World Cup.” Young and Martin follow Alev Kelter and Alicia Maude, who were previously announced as Lightning players ahead of the 2024/25 season.

A well-known Derby blinds firm that ceased trading last year has been saved through investment inspired by the company’s long-serving workforce. When the owner of Raynesway Interiors died unexpectedly after contracting Covid-19 in 2021, the firm he had built up since 1989 was thrown into disarray. Bob Pearce had not prepared a will or put any succession plan in place, so his long-term partner and the two children he had raised as his own inherited nothing. The business instead passed to Bob’s estranged biological children. Bob’s non-biological son Paul Pearce and Paul’s brother-in-law Tony Hales stepped in as directors in an effort to keep Bob’s legacy alive, attempting to run the firm without pay. But following attempts to buy the firm, issues with the firm’s bank meant Paul and Tony were eventually forced to resign as directors. The remaining employees took responsibility and worked for months without receiving any wages. And further attempts by Paul and Tony to buy-out the firm faced frustrating delays as Bob’s estate went through probate. But then came a breakthrough. The Chaddesden firm’s unpaid staff clubbed their savings together in order to force the company into liquidation. This enabled Tony and Paul, along with two other investors, to finally buy the assets of the business, which installs shutters, blinds, awnings and window film. Now, a new firm, Raynesway Blinds, has risen from the ashes of what was once Raynesway Interiors. Brian Thomas, one of the other investors, has taken a very active role in the day-to-day running of the business alongside Tony. In just a few months, the new directors have steered the business back on course. Their order book is looking healthy once more and the company is in the process of paying back staff for their lost earnings and lack of redundancy when Raynesway Interiors folded. Tony Hales, who is married to Bob’s non-biological daughter Jodie, said: “We wanted to keep the business together in Bob’s name. We needed to salvage what we could for Bob’s memory and for the staff that had stood by the business while it faced an imminent threat of closure." “It was hanging by a thread but we owed it to the employees who basically stepped up and took control while protracted legal negotiations were taking place." “The whole thing provides an important lesson to business owners: get a succession plan in place, as you never know what is going to happen. Bob would have fully intended to pass the business onto Paul and Jodie – but without a will, that wish counted for very little.” Tony keeps a close eye on the business, though Brian continues to spearhead the daily management of Raynesway Blinds. All four investors are supporting the business for no payment while it gets back on its feet. Tony said: “This is mainly about keeping our five current employees in a job at the moment. The customers love them and they are really good at what they do.” Raynesway Blinds continues to seek additional investors to aid its planned expansion, and it is keen to speak to anyone who is interested. Part of the expansion plan involves broadening the firm’s commercial and public sector client base to supply more facilities such as offices, schools and universities. It has also launched a referral scheme as an incentive for businesses able to provide leads for new domestic and commercial orders. With orders increasing, Raynesway Blinds is currently recruiting for a new sales executive. Tony added: “It was touch and go, and there’s been a lot of hard work and tears along the way. But our dream is for Raynesway Blinds to succeed and grow. We’re delighted by the response we’ve received from our customers, and we know it will prove to be a fitting outcome for Bob.”

Inspirational achievers from Birmingham were among those celebrated at the sixth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards. Four hundred people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam for the glittering ceremony and hosted by Kirsty Leahy, Karen Jones and ‘Roberto.’ The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singer Ruth Kelly, from Coventry. Local winners included BBC radio presenter Trish Adudu who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Media, as well as four of the five winners in a brand new Young Futures First category, honouring inspirational young people between the ages of 16 and 30. These are Aaron O’Brien, Wolverhampton and Courtnee Gallagher, Leah Atkins and Fatima Mohammed, Birmingham Metropolitan College. Trish Adudu, from Coventry, has enjoyed a career in TV and radio spanning more than 30 years, including as an original member of ITV’s Loose Women panel between 1999-2002. She is currently well known for presenting the Weekday Afternoon programme on BBC local radio. She said: “I am overjoyed and overwhelmed to receive this honour. I have watched Ladies First and their incredible rise in the community consciousness and been in awe of the stories that have been represented. With all those fantastic stories I’m proud to know that Tracey and her team have picked my story as one to honour." “I just wish Mum and Dad could have seen this but it was great that my supportive and wonderful partner Ezzie and my sons Tyler and Kennedy could be there to witness this incredible achievement.” Other winners from the Birmingham area included: Paola Spiga, Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath (Start-up of the Year); Becci Fox, of Solihull Moors (Excellence In Health & Welbeing); Jas Thiara of Alsters Kelley Solicitors, in Balsall Common (Excellence In Professional Services); and Rob Butler, of Tri Wellness Limited, in Solihull (Inspirational Businessman of the Year). Anne Cawley and the team at Jamieson Christie Wealth Management, which has its headquarters in Balsall Common, were also presented with the Achieves For Community (Business) Award for their charity work, while John Street received the Community Champion Award, recognising his work with @freeatlast. The charity aims to improve the lives of thousands of people in Birmingham’s inner city area of Nechells with the ultimate aim of eradicating child poverty – through youth clubs as well as family support and adult learning advice. John said: “The team are exceptionally honoured to have been recognised by the Ladies First Network, for the work that we do with our children and young people. Thank you so much for supporting and valuing our work, encouraging us to press on towards the eradication of child poverty in our community.” Anne Cawley said of her award: “Since formation over 20 years ago, we have strived to maintain key principles of treating others as you would wish to be treated, and to support and encourage all those around you. This includes valuing our wonderful staff and clients and the superb charities and organisations who work tirelessly for others. It was fabulous that some of our staff were able to join me to receive the award.” Paola Spiga, who won Start-up of the Year for Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath, said: “This award reaffirms my commitment to enhancing beauty, promoting wellness, and empowering individuals. It belongs to every client and supporter who has shared in my vision of embracing each person’s unique beauty and wellness goals with passion and excellence. Together, we celebrate the transformative power of self-care and individual empowerment.” Jas Thiara, from Balsall Common, who won Excellence In Professional Services Award for her role as a Higher Courts Advocate at Alsters Kelley Solicitors, said: “I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I have won an award – totally overwhelming on the night. A huge honour and I’m very grateful to the Directors at Alsters Kelley for nominating me in the first place and big thanks to everyone in the Crime department who support me every day.” Rob Butler was named Inspirational Man of the Year for his success at Tri Wellness Limited in Solihull, taking his own childhood experiences and subsequent mental health challenges to bring strength and positivity into his fitness and wellbeing studio. He said: “This recognition truly means the world to me. I really hope me winning this award can inspire other young men and women to aspire to their goals, live for their purpose and be the people they deserve to be.” With Solihull Moors, Becci Fox uses the power of sport to transform young people’s lives by equipping them with better skills and increased confidence. On winning the Excellence In Health & Wellbeing Award, she said: “This award is not just a testament to my individual efforts but is a celebration of the collective spirit of all staff and volunteers and Solihull Moors Foundation. This award shines a light on the importance of nurturing well-being in our communities and for us to continue, touching lives through the power of sport.” This year also saw the introduction of new categories including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses. The Awards, which were unveiled at The House of Commons in January, are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington. Tracey and Karen said: “It was a phenomenal evening celebrating the achievements of women, men, and future young influencers in business. We couldn't be more proud of this inspiring event. Huge congratulations to all of our 2024 winners. We also want to express our gratitude to all our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn't have been possible. Thank you to the IXL Centre for creating a wonderful experience for our guests. We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring.” The evening, which included an auction and raffle and £5k ring prize drawer courtesy of Shipton & Co in Stratford, also raised £8,000 for The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund. The charity was stablished in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd is proud to announce a 41-strong team of employees crossed the finish line together in Trafalgar Square, London, to complete a 20km walk across the Capital, to raise money for three charities – Candlelighters, Dynamic and Trust Links. The inaugural Konica Minolta 20km London Landmarks Walk took place on 19th June, with the team starting at Nelson’s Column, heading to the River Thames and walking along the South Bank, before crossing Tower Bridge, passing the Tower of London and heading back to Trafalgar Square along the Embankment. Gemma Lee, Chief People Officer at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, commented after completing the route, which took in many iconic London landmarks from the Globe Theatre to the Tower of London, "Walking is great exercise for the body and mind and 20km meant we all got our daily steps done and then some! It was a fantastic day with lots of time to catch up with colleagues from different areas of the business, as well as sharing the reasons why we support the three charities." Candlelighters supports families facing children's cancer in Yorkshire, providing emotional, practical, and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve treatment and save lives. The Dynamic centre for children and young people with disabilities provides help and support to children (ages 8-25) and families with disabilities in and around Wrexham, including after-school and holiday groups. Trust Links helps to improve mental health, wellbeing, and the environment in Essex, supporting more than 4000 people through its therapeutic gardening, social activities, peer support, recovery classes, employment support and more. Ben Mills, Environmental Manager, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, added, “I'm thrilled to have joined the Konica Minolta London Landmarks Walk, as it not only promotes wellbeing but also strengthens our commitment to our charity partnerships. Walking together, we amplify our impact and contribute to meaningful change.” Gillian Anderson, Environmental, Social & Governance Partner, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, added, “When we gave our employees the chance to choose Konica Minolta’s three charity partners for the year ahead, we wanted to create as many opportunities for them to get involved as possible. I am immensely proud of how everyone has embraced these, not only through fundraising but also volunteering and spending time with people the charities work tirelessly to help.” The Konica Minolta 20km London Landmarks Walk has raised more than £4,000 for the three charities. About Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd Part of the global Konica Minolta Group, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd empowers producers of high-volume print and communications through innovation and cutting-edge technologies, combining our global heritage and expertise to deliver our customers’ vision for a sustainable and brighter future. We use our Ignite consultative discovery approach to build trust with our customers and to accurately discover their business challenges. From these insights, Konica Minolta’s team of subject matter experts collaborates with a network of industry-leading and trusted partners to create bespoke solutions to meet our customers’ goals. Our highly reliable and effective hardware and software print solutions aid greater productivity by automating repetitive production tasks, saving time and money, and delivering real value that addresses real-world business challenges – all whilst fully enabling our customers to embrace and exploit commercial opportunities and print possibilities. Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd is headquartered in Basildon, Essex with 10 regional offices across the UK, employing over 750 people.

Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is delighted to announce that Cancer Card, a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer, has been awarded a grant of £2,500 to support their Comfort Box scheme. The initiative aims to ensure that every cancer patient, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to essential items that can improve their quality of life during treatment. Cancer Card was founded in 2021 by stage four cancer patient Jen Hardy MBE and offers a comprehensive online directory of local and national cancer support services, making it a crucial resource for those navigating the complexities of cancer care in Scotland. The Comfort Box initiative, inspired by Scotland's Baby Box, delivers packages containing items such as digital in-ear thermometers, wool blankets, and travel mugs to help cancer patients manage their treatment and stay comfortable. Conveying her thanks to the Trust for the donation, Jen Hardy said: "The generous grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is invaluable in supporting our mission to ensure that no one faces cancer alone." "With these funds, we can provide 50 additional Comfort Boxes to newly diagnosed cancer patients, offering them not only practical items but also a sense of comfort, hope, and reassurance during their cancer journey. This support is crucial in helping patients feel cared for and empowered as they navigate the challenges of treatment." In the first four months of 2024 alone, Cancer Card distributed over 400 Comfort Boxes to patients across Scotland. Each box costs the charity £50 to produce and they are distributed to patients free of charge. The additional 50 boxes funded by Allied Vehicles will be delivered through partnerships with Maggie's Centres and cancer treatment wards in hospitals, as well as being available directly through the Cancer Card website. Gerry Facenna, founder of Allied Vehicles, expressed his pride at the Cancer Card donation: "Cancer touches every family, and the work Cancer Card does is so important; not just in distributing these items through the Comfort Box programme, but also helping to provide emotional support to cancer patients during an extremely challenging time. We’re pleased to support to such a great cause."

Hundreds of runners are set to come under starter’s orders for one of Staffordshire’s longest running races. Up to 400 runners of all abilities are expected to take part in the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run on Thursday, July 11th at 7.15pm. – with all entrants receiving a special commemorative medal. The event first started in 1983 when just 95 competitors took part – including Race Director Mick Grindey, 62 and former JCB employee Charles Bevan, 77, of Abbots Bromley. Mick and Charles have competed in every single one of the events since – and will be on the starting line again this year. Mick said: “The JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run has been a popular fixture in the local running calendar now for 41 years and it’s always a great event supported by runners from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire." “Entries are now open for the 2024 event and anyone wishing to enter should do it now as we have a limit of 400 spaces. Spectators are also very welcome to cheer the runners along the route and join us on the field afterwards where the popular ‘beer bus’ is making a welcome return to help quench everyone’s thirst afterwards. Food will also be available.” The five-mile JCB Lakeside 5 follows a five-mile route around the picturesque JCB World Headquarters and the Fun Run is over two miles. Entry to the main race for affiliated runners and JCB employees is £14.60, £16.60 for non-affiliated runners and £6.80 for the fun run. Proceeds will be donated to JCB’s £2 million NSPCC appeal to help support the charity’s work in Staffordshire. Entry to the event is via this link here .

Family-owned British luxury bed and components manufacturer, Harrison Spinks, has made key senior appointments to drive international sales and enhance its growth strategy across the group. In a move to strengthen sales and export growth for both the beds and components divisions at Harrison Spinks, the business has made significant new appointments and promotions. Lee Hinshaw will be joining the business in the role of Business Development Director – a new hybrid role designed to strengthen the international presence of both Harrison Spinks and Spinks. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, with over 30 years' experience in the industry, Lee will be responsible for driving growth in the Asia Pacific region for the company’s finished mattresses and components. Ian Owen has been promoted to Sales Director at Spinks. Ian will lead sales activity for the spring manufacturing division, developing the sales team and assisting its agents and distributors across the globe. James Noble has been promoted to Export Sales & Development Manager for Harrison Spinks with the remit to oversee growth and export sales. Finally, Geert Geerkens has recently joined Harrison Spinks to support James and the team as a Strategic Consultant to help deliver the company’s bed export strategy and grow mattress sales internationally. Having gained a wealth of experience working in the mattress industry throughout his career, his appointment will bolster the company’s export plans in Europe. Geert is currently president of the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA), as well as Valumat, a Belgian organisation supporting the industry to collect and process discarded mattresses. Darren Marcangelo, Managing Director at Spinks, said: “This is an exciting phase for Spinks, with both Lee and Ian having the passion and expertise to drive and deliver international sales for the business. We have some exciting new customer opportunities along with new product innovations that will see Spinks at the forefront of innovation and sustainability for our industry." "I welcome Lee to the business and look forward to working closely with him, and congratulate Ian for his well-deserved promotion to Sales Director as he has ambitious ideas for growing our business overseas.” Spinks directly sells and supplies its unique patented components in domestic and international markets, including revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs, which are also used within the luxury mattresses of the company’s beds division at Harrison Spinks. Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks Beds, said: “We’re committed to investing internationally and expanding on a global scale, so this is an exciting opportunity to focus on, strengthening our team to meet the increased interest in our unique, responsibly made, luxury bed and mattress offering." “Our growth reflects the increasing global demand for innovative, high-quality beds and mattresses and we’re delighted to have made significant appointments as part of our evolved export strategy, gaining further international business opportunities and expediting our brand and its sustainable ethos into new markets.” The British values of both Harrison Spinks and Spinks have already enabled success in the global marketplace, with the business active in many countries across the world. This is evidenced by the company’s 2023 King’s Award for Enterprise win in International Trade, which sits alongside its two additional King’s Awards in Innovation and Sustainable Development.